Sandie Johannessen to Lead Minor Hotels’ Spa and Wellness in Asia

Sandie Johannessen to Lead Minor Hotels’ Spa and Wellness in Asia

By Author

Published on December 11, 2023

Minor Hotels, a distinguished hospitality group based in Bangkok, has announced the appointment of Sandie Johannessen as the new Group Director of Spa and Wellness for Asia. This strategic move marks a significant step in the company's commitment to enhancing its spa and wellness offerings across the continent.

In her new capacity, Johannessen will be overseeing the spa and wellness operations, development, and brand standards across all Minor Hotels’ brands in Asia. Her responsibilities also include forging strategic partnerships with renowned entities such as VIVID by Verita Health, Clinique La Prairie, VLCC, and BDMS Wellness Clinic.

Johannessen brings over two decades of experience in the spa and wellness industry, having worked with some of the world's most prestigious luxury brands across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. She has a proven track record of delivering exceptional spa services and creating innovative wellness programs. Her expertise has been recognized by industry authorities like Condé Nast Traveller and World Spa & Wellness. Prior to joining Minor Hotels, she was the Health and Wellness Director at Zulal, a wellness resort by Chiva-Som in Doha, Qatar.

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Expressing her excitement about the new role, Johannessen mentions her deep connection with Thailand, the homeland of her grandparents, and her eagerness to share her passion for spa and wellness in the region. She holds a Bachelor in Yogic Science from Bangalore University, India, and is trained as a dietary analyst and educator from Middlesex University, UK. Johannessen is not only an industry expert but also an avid writer, speaker, panelist, and an active member of the VL Business Club.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about Johannessen joining the team. He highlighted her visionary leadership and extensive experience, which will be instrumental in enhancing the group’s spa and wellness offerings and contributing to the expansion of Minor Hotels in Asia.

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is a global player in the hotel industry, currently operating more than 540 hotels worldwide. The group is known for its diverse portfolio of properties and is actively expanding its presence through brand development and strategic acquisitions. Minor Hotels operates under various brands, including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, and Tivoli, and has a presence in 56 countries across multiple continents.


Welcomhotel Guntur Welcomes Ravi Kant Sharma as Its New Food and Beverage Manager

Welcomhotel Guntur Welcomes Ravi Kant Sharma as Its New Food and Beverage Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 4, 2025

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur has announced the appointment of Ravi Kant Sharma as its Food and Beverage Manager. Known for his hands-on leadership and experience in luxury hospitality, he brings nearly nine years of expertise shaped across renowned hotel brands including The Oberoi Group and ITC Hotels.

Before taking on this new role, he served as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Agra, where he handled a wide range of operational responsibilities, worked closely with the leadership team to strengthen service standards and departmental performance, and contributed to enhancing guest-focused F&B operations.

With his strong skill set, industry knowledge, and commitment to delivering exceptional service, he is set to enhance the dining experience at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur and continue the brand’s focus on thoughtful hospitality.


The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur Appoints Arjun Belliappa as General Manager

The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur Appoints Arjun Belliappa as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 3, 2025

The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur has announced the appointment of Mr. Arjun Belliappa as its new General Manager. With more than two decades of diverse hospitality experience, he is known for elevating guest satisfaction, improving operational efficiency, and driving strong business growth.

Mr. Belliappa began his career as a Hotel Operational Management Trainee with JW Marriott, Juhu, and later worked at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai. His career grew further during his seven-year journey with The Oberoi Group, where he contributed to operations at The Oberoi Mumbai, Trident Nariman Point, and Trident Gurgaon, eventually becoming Assistant Front Office Manager.

Over the years, he has held senior leadership roles with Park Hyatt Hyderabad, Radisson Blu Atria Bengaluru, Mantri Square Mall, Lemon Tree Premier, Sunbird Trust, and Betta Living Resorts. These roles have given him valuable experience across luxury hotels, large-scale operations, and mission-driven hospitality projects.

Most recently, Mr. Belliappa served as General Manager at Hotel Lakend, Udaipur. His strong understanding of the local market helped him enhance service quality and overall business performance.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Mr. Arjun Belliappa said, “It is an honour to join The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur, a landmark property that captures the splendour of Rajasthan and a bygone era. I look forward to working with the team to create memorable guest experiences that uphold the brand’s legacy of warmth, luxury, and inclusion.”

Welcoming him to the group, Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, said, “We are delighted to have Mr. Arjun Belliappa join The LaLiT family. His leadership, expertise, and dedication to excellence will further strengthen our commitment to offering unparalleled guest experiences at The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur.”

With this appointment, The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur continues its commitment to delivering refined hospitality rooted in heritage, warmth, and exceptional service.


TREVOC Group Strengthens Leadership with Appointment of Aman Bhasin as AVP – Sales

TREVOC Group Strengthens Leadership with Appointment of Aman Bhasin as AVP – Sales

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 3, 2025

TREVOC Group has strengthened its leadership team by appointing Aman Bhasin as Assistant Vice President – Sales as the brand continues to expand its premium real estate footprint in Gurugram. Aman brings over a decade of experience working with leading developers such as Whiteland Corporation, M3M India Pvt. Ltd. and Omaxe Ltd., where he built a strong track record in driving revenue growth and leading high-performing sales teams.

Speaking about the appointment, Gurpal Singh Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC Group, said, “Aman’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for TREVOC as we scale our premium footprint across Gurugram. His deep market understanding, strategic sales mindset, and proven ability to build high-performance teams make him a valuable addition to our leadership.”

Sharing his excitement about joining the organisation, Aman Bhasin said, “TREVOC’s ambition to lead Gurugram’s next era of premium real estate development is fully aligned with my approach to delivering excellence and long-term value.”

With this appointment, TREVOC Group continues to reinforce its commitment to delivering high-quality and future-ready developments across Gurugram.

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